Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11 (KJV).

REFLECT:
Whenever, we are told or asked to ‘stand our ground,’ with regards to an issue, a matter of high concern, what message would such a piece of advice say to us?

The phrase ‘stand your ground,’ is a figurative language commonly used when a person is seen to continually or constantly take or hold an uncompromising position or attitude. This could be in the context of an argument, a way of life, ideology, or belief system.

Therefore, the person or group of people have made up their minds in the face of every opposition to refuse to yield, compromise, or be belittled, and rather to stand up against any form of opposition, attack, or insult.

To stand one’s ground could be a very courageous thing to do, that is if it is done for the right reasons. The right reasons are that –
1. To advance the cause of humanity for good and not evil.
2. To promote righteousness and not wickedness.
3. For life and not death.
4. To reveal the person and character of the true God and creator of the whole universe and not anything contrary to Him.

Therefore, to effectively stand one’s ground, we must do it the right way, and be fully equipped. So how can we do this?

To achieve this stance without losing ground, we must be knowledgeable about what we are standing for. So that when we bring our ideas to the table, others will know what we are about. A lot of us take a stand supported by mere feelings and emotions.

We don’t take the time to study for ourselves to know what we are about. Feelings and emotions can never be sufficient to tide us through our convictions. Feelings and emotions merely stir up zeal, which when not accompanied by knowledge fizzles out in no time.

“Also, it is not good for a soul to be without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with his feet.” Proverbs 19:2 (KJV).

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV).

Furthermore, we have to have the required wisdom and understanding of how we must present ourselves so that we can present and project the right attitude and behavior to assume the proper posture while standing our ground. We must be authentic about the process and truthful. This is because people would want to know why we have chosen to take such a stand. We must have the right answers to the questions people ask.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and be ready always to answer every man who asketh you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV).

Another key ingredient to this is that we must have the right tools and gears to the rules that apply to help us effectively stand in the position we have decided to take. You see, taking a stand is not an easy task. When we decide to assume a stand, it is expected that there will be opposition. The business of standing our ground, especially when it is for a righteous and good cause is like going to war.

Standing for what is good will always put us in a position against evil and wickedness. We must not be ignorant about this fact. There are people who have themselves decided to stand with evil and against righteousness.

Therefore, such individuals will always want to stand against anything good, and they will employ anything to make sure they tear down whatever is good or right and bring it to disrepute. That is why we who are on the side of righteousness must assume the right armor. Ephesians 6: 11 -18 from where our Bible verse is taken, gives us the true picture of what the armor we must put on looks like.

The armor we are presented with here is called, “The Amor of God,” and we are advised to put on the whole Amor, not just random bits. We are also told the reason why we must put on this armor, and this is to stand against the evils and wicked devices of the enemy the devil. “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11 (KJV).

It is very important to note here that we do not fight our fellow humans. Rather we come against the evil spirits that influence certain people to do wicked things against humanity.

Finally, we must have a vivid understanding of how this armor works and how we must use it very effectively. The armor of God is very effective, but for maximum result, we must know to apply it to the specific and targetted situations or needs that call for its application. This will give us the ability to take the right position we need when called to stand against the evil devices of the devil.

Some different situations and needs that call for the use of our armor would be offensive, defensive, protective, vigilant, interactive, and communicative means or purposes, as the situation or circumstance would warrant.

This will help us to know how we must gear or dress ourselves up to have the results we want. Please read the whole of Ephesians chapter six for a more comprehensive detail and understanding.

When we know how to apply and utilize the armor of God using the rules given to us, It will help us make our victory certain and impactful.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

A Prayer to Put on God’s Armor.

FATHER GOD, You equip us with tools that draw us closer to You and help us stand against schemes created to destroy us. Thank You for Your protection. Thank You for always caring for us. Today, help me to intentionally put on all of the armor You freely offer me. Give me the strength to stand firm in You. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME.